Dodgers put Beckett back on DL

MILWAUKEE -- The Dodgers placed right-hander Josh Beckett back on the DL Friday with the recurring hip problem that has bothered him most of the year.

Beckett went on the DL in July with the impingement in his left hip. At that time, a contrast MRI revealed a torn labrum and two cysts in the joint. This time, another MRI confirmed the impingement but also revealed a left groin strain.

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said there is "a possibility" that Beckett will pitch again this season. More likelly, though, the 34-year-old Beckett might require surgery to address the hip issue and not return at all.

Beckett already missed nearly all of the 2013 season and came back from surgery to address thoracic outlet syndrome with the removal of a rib from his right side.

"I'm being optimistic. I don't know about overly optimistic," Mattingly said."At this point, we're talking about 10 days to two weeks of rest and then starting the (throwing) progression). I anticipate that he will be able to pitch again this year."

Roberto Hernandez steps into Beckett's rotation spot and makes his Dodgers debut tonight. Hernandez was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for two players to be named later or cash considerations on Thursday.

"I saw him when he was in Cleveland -- big stuff," Mattingly said. "He had a rough start (with the Phillies) but he's been throwing the ball well lately. He's a sinker-ball guy. He's pretty simple. He's going to keep the ball down when he wants to throw strikes, get ahead in the count. He will try to get ground balls. If they're hitting a bunch of balls in the air, it's probably not a good thing."

Over his last seven starts with the Phillies, Hernandez was 3-3 with a 2.85 ERA and held opposing batters to a .194 batting average and only one home run in 47 1/3 innings.

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